Why does the dishwasher fill up and immediately drain water and what can I do about it?

You loaded the dishwasher as usual, turned on the cycle, heard water pouring in... but instead of starting to wash the dishes, the PMM drained the water and stopped. You may hear the drain pump running. What is this? Most likely, there was an overflow of water and a leak in the machine. Water got into the pan, the float floated up and the Aquastop leak protection function turned on. What is the reason for the overflow - we will understand in our material.

Note! Do not confuse an overflow situation with a simple leak. The reasons why PMM leaks are presented in the article “Why does a dishwasher leak.”

What error codes can PMM produce with such a problem and how are they deciphered?

If the dishwasher (DMM) collects water and drains it prematurely before the washing process is completed, then you should pay attention to the display.
If the PMM has an electronic interface, then in case of some malfunctions it will display error codes. If there is a problem with the intake and drainage, information about the incorrect operation of the Aquastop sensor will most often be displayed.


If such a failure occurs, the screen will display:

  • code E15 (for machines from Bosch, Neff, Siemens),
  • E1 (in Smeg, Ardo machines),
  • as well as A01, E4, AL01 for Ariston, Candy and Indesit, respectively.

For PMMs without a graphical interface, certain lights on the panel may blink. For example, on a Zanussi car the i20 indicator lights up 2 times. This may indicate a problem with the Aquastop sensor or a malfunction of the drain system.

Premature drainage of water can also occur for other reasons, which will not always be displayed on the display or operating panel of the dishwasher. If a malfunction occurs, you should first check the screen, as this will help to quickly identify the cause.

When an error code appears on the information panel, you can find its explanation in the accompanying documentation (instructions for using or repairing the PMM), since for different manufacturers or models the codes may differ and display different errors with the same symbols.

What is this device?

acts as a locking element.

The valve’s task is to open in a timely manner to fill the machine with the required amount of water and close when the desired level is reached.

Externally, the fill valve looks like a plastic body bent at 90°. One end is connected to the inlet hose, and the outlet is equipped with contacts for the terminal block. It belongs to the group of electromagnetic locking elements.

Inside the device there are solenoids and a damper. When a command is given from the control unit, the solenoids move the damper to the “open” or “closed” position, providing water supply or shutoff.

Causes and solutions to the problem

The cause of the breakdown may be due to incorrect connection of the PMM to the water supply system, as well as an electronic malfunction. You should first accurately identify the cause of improper pumping of water, so as not to waste extra time or money, since sometimes simply rebooting the machine can help.

If your dishwasher is taking in water and draining it prematurely, you can start by doing a few small tests that will help identify or rule out certain types of breakdowns.

For example, you should check the PMM for freezing . This requires pressing a few keys on the control panel.

If there is no error code on the display and the machine responds to pressing, then you should try to reboot it. Let's look at several main reasons why water may drain before the end of washing dishes, if all checks or rebooting did not help.

Incorrect dishwasher connection


The most common reason for premature drainage of water is leaking hoses, pipes or pump.

This problem can appear if the dishwasher is installed incorrectly , since during installation the seals, hoses could be damaged or quickly worn out, and the fastening clamps could stretch.

To avoid this problem, install only if you have experience or call a professional. If the problem has already appeared, it is recommended to carefully check all joints and connections for leaks, replace worn or damaged parts, and also tighten all clamps on the fasteners.

Aquastop sensor failure

Most often, dishwashers are equipped with a special water leakage protection system called Aquastop. Its task is to ensure that when water enters the pan of the machine, the float rises up and turns on the pumping of water.

In PMMs with such a system, there are special error codes or indicators that are triggered when Aquastop is activated . Also, one of the reasons for the sensor to trigger may be scale that has accumulated on the walls of the float or residual water that does not drain completely (if the sensor is attached to the side of the dishwasher).

If Aquastop malfunctions, you should first drain all the water from the sump, and also check the PMM for leaks. If scale appears, you can try to clean it off using chemicals or replace the sensor with a new one.

If Aquastop is on the wall of the machine, then you can try tilting the device 45° away from the hose or towards it so that the water that remains in the sensor chamber flows out.

If the Aquastop breaks down, you should determine what type it is . If it is mechanical, then replacing the hose at the PMM can eliminate the malfunction.

For electronic sensors, you need to remove the bottom cover of the dishwasher and disconnect the Aquastop wires so that it can be removed. Installation of a new sensor should be done in reverse order.

Intake valve damage


If the inlet valve is broken, then water will be drawn in without stopping and overfill the tank, and this will lead to the activation of Aquastop.

This can happen if debris gets into the valve or the valve is not properly powered. If such a malfunction occurs, it is necessary to shut off the water supply valve.

After this, you should connect a multimeter to the contacts of the intake mechanism and check it for current resistance (the normal value is 500-1500 Ohms).

You should also inspect the valve for debris . If the intake mechanism breaks down, it must be completely replaced, since it cannot be disassembled and cannot be repaired.

To reduce the chance of valve failure, you should install a water filter to purify the water, since most often failure occurs due to debris.

The water level sensor is broken

Another problem that can affect the operation of the dishwasher is a breakdown of the water level sensor. This device controls the water intake, and if it supplies incorrect data to the control unit, the control device will also malfunction.

If, while drawing water, you can hear that the pump is pumping it, it means it is working . The control unit operates on the data it receives from the pressure switch.

Inside the sensor there is an air chamber that builds pressure as water fills. After accumulating the required volume, the membrane must close the circuit and supply the result of the work to the control unit.

But if the data from the sensor comes out irregularly, the control board will begin to take action, since for it this will mean that there is too much water in the tank.

To check your device, you need to follow some steps:


  1. Close the shut-off valve.

  2. Disconnect the pump from power if it is still humming.
  3. Disconnect the drain hose from the PMM.
  4. Take out the filter.
  5. Check the sensor with a multimeter.
  6. You can also check the device by blowing into the tube. If you hear clicks, then everything is working properly.
  7. It is also advisable to inspect the valve for blockages.

This device cannot be cleaned or repaired and must be replaced with a new one. But during diagnostics, it is necessary to check the wires, as sometimes they are faulty and cause incorrect data transmission.

With oxidized contacts, the sensor resistance will quickly change and deceive the control unit . When replacing the sensor, you must carefully clean the terminals or install new ones.

When installing the device, it is advisable to lubricate the contacts with thick lubricant so that they do not oxidize a second time.

Worn drain pump gaskets

Not the main, but also possible reason may be wear of the drain pump gaskets.

They must be replaced if they show any signs of wear. In this form, the part no longer fulfills its task 100%. It can let water through, which will cause it to drain quickly.

To replace a worn gasket with a new one, you must follow the instructions:

  • first the pump is removed and disassembled;
  • Next, you need to remove the gaskets and replace them with new ones;
  • the pump is assembled and installed in the machine.

There are two types of dishwasher gaskets: rubber and silicone. It is best to install rubber ones; they are inexpensive and will last much longer.

System depressurization

Depressurization of the system is one of the main reasons that the dishwasher drains water. Over time, the sealing gasket loses its properties and the seal of the hatch or door is compromised.

As a result, water seeps into these areas and flows onto the floor. This problem is easily detected, since water accumulates on the floor in large quantities.

How to solve a problem:


  1. First, you need to carefully examine the entire perimeter and determine where the tightness is lost and where everything is normal.

  2. This is easy to do: you need to run a piece of napkin or toilet paper around the perimeter of the door, and in places where there is no seal, the paper will get wet.
  3. To fix this problem, it is necessary to change the sealing material.

The main thing is not to try to make any overlays, they can only worsen the problem. In the same way, water can flow at the water supply connection points or at the supply points to the hoses.

Dishwasher overflows water

Dishwasher overflows water

If you notice that your dishwasher is overflowing with water, this may indicate problems with the device. Everyone wants their equipment to function properly; to do this, you need to treat it with care and follow the basic rules of use. For accuracy, it is necessary to occasionally carry out diagnostics, which will provide confidence in the performance of the device.

It is important to understand that over time, all components of the device wear out and become unusable. Until the technology has become perfect and eternal, therefore you need to be prepared for breakdowns and replacement of parts. Do not exclude the factor of natural wear and tear, as this may cause the device to stop working. It’s worth saying right away that fixing some breakdowns can lead to large financial losses. That is why experts advise prompt diagnosis. After all, prevention turns out to be much cheaper than repairing or replacing a product.

Current problem:


For those who have a dishwasher, overflowing water is not uncommon. In such a situation, water may flow uncontrollably into the tank and also flow out of the device. Depending on the model used, a signal may appear or an error code may appear.

  • The first thing to do in such a situation is to shut off the water supply.
  • Now you can turn on the drain or use the emergency hose.
  • You can carry out repairs yourself, or you can call a specialist, it all depends on your desire.

How to prevent problems from reoccurring?

To prevent repeated problems with the PMM, it is necessary to periodically check all devices for malfunctions or take the machine for maintenance (you can invite a technician to your home).

You should clean dishes from food residues before placing them in the sink, and also use special cleaning products.

You also need to clean the filters on time to avoid blockages , and also periodically change the gaskets and check the water level sensors for serviceability.

Find out everything you need to know about dishwasher water in this section.

Where to find a master?

Only certified specialists work in the service center. You can order a call from a technician from Service-Technician by phone or by leaving a request on the company’s website. You need to tell the manager the brand, model, year of manufacture of the dishwasher, and answer a few clarifying questions. The arrival time is negotiated individually with each customer. An urgent call within Moscow is possible within 2 hours. The center has branches in each administrative district of the capital, and employees travel to New Moscow and the Moscow region.

The employee brings the necessary equipment with him, and the work is done at home. If there is a need to deliver equipment to the workshop, the center takes care of it. After completing the repair, the client receives a warranty card for the work done and the installed components. According to surveys conducted among Service-Technic clients, the price of services and the cost of spare parts is 10-15% lower than in other similar companies.

We work every day, seven days a week, from 8.00 to 21.00.

Replacement nuances for different dishwashers


The method for replacing the inlet valve in dishwashers from different manufacturers is not too different.
The only nuance is the location of the device. There are models with lower and upper water supply (location of the connecting pipe), so the method of disassembling the machine will depend on the type of structure.

Some models are more convenient to lay on their side, others just need to be turned around and slightly tilted, leaning against the wall.

For Bosch dishwashers, the optimal method is a complete revolution, since all the main components are located in the bottom area. Otherwise, the replacement procedure is almost the same.

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